The 257bhp, AWD Toyota GR Yaris is Toyota’s WRC homologation special

The second ‘GR’ model from Toyota (after the GR Supra) and scheduled for launch in the latter half of 2020, the range-topping Yaris is powered by a new 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo engine producing a crazy 257bhp and 360Nm (266lb ft) of torque.

Toyota’s engineers have used lightweight materials throughout, including a new compression moulded carbon-fibre roof and an aluminium bonnet, doors and boot. As a result the GR Yaris weighs 1,280kg, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 200bhp per tonne. Impressive, right?

What’s even more impressive is that this little Yaris is all-wheel-drive, making it the first genuine all-wheel-drive sportscar since the Celica GT-Four’s demise in 1999. 0-62mph will take “less than 5.5 seconds” before the car tops out at an electronically limited 143mph.

You’ll note the not-so-normal flared aerodynamic design, with a lowered roof, huge grille, massive spoiler and muscular wings, not to mention the 18-inch alloys.

There are two Torsen limited-slip differentials, one at the front and one at the rear, with the driver able to split the power front-rear to suit their needs. As standard 60 per cent of the engine’s power goes to the front and 40 per cent to the rear, but there’s a 30/70 split in Sport mode and a 50/50 split in Track mode.

What’s more, while the GR Yaris has electric power steering it does make use of a six-speed manual gearbox. There are huge 356mm grooved and ventilated front disks, too, with 297mm ventilated disks at the rear, as well as sticky 225/40R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 Tyres.

The suspension is considerably better than that of the standard Yaris, as Toyota has engineered the front half of the car with Toyota’s GA-B platform (due to debut in full with the new Yaris later this year) and the rear half with the GA-C platform (currently used with the Prius, Corolla and CH-R). Why blend two different platforms together? Because without the blend there wouldn’t be space for that all-wheel-drive system, nor would Toyota have been able to fit the GR Yaris with double-wishbone suspension at the rear instead of the normal and far less sophisticated torsion beam set-up.

Announcing the GR Yaris at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon, Gazoo Racing President Shigeki Tomoyama said: “One of Toyota Gazoo Racing’s commitments is to use motorsport to refine its knowhow and its personnel, with the aim of launching world-class production sports cars. While the new GR Supra is a sports car developed through track racing, the GR Yaris has been devised through our participation in rallies – something that many of our fans have been waiting for.”

Toyota only rejoined the WRC in 2017, yet won the manufacturers’ championship in 2018, with Ott Tänak taking the drivers’ championship in 2019. If Toyota’s WRC involvement in the WRC means more cars like this, we hope they never, ever leave.